CHENNAI, MAY 12. When circumstances are not favourable, even a stick in a man's hand may turn into a snake. On the contrary, if ``time'' is propitious, even if a person steps on a serpent, it may remain harmless just as a stick. In order to enjoy a continuous period of happiness, everyone should fill his heart with sublime thoughts, which are promoted by learning sacred texts, making the ears listen only to the glory of God, training the tongue to utter His names and ensuring that the hands perform meritorious deeds and serve the society and the feet to visit sacred places.

The prime duty of a man is to keep his heart pure, since only such a step will attract and enshrine Divinity within. If the iron filings are rusted, even the most powerful magnet will not attract them. ``Get rid of the rust and become pure. Only then I will show my power'' God says. In the same manner, a person cannot expect God to draw one's mind when it is impure and is filled with evil thoughts. A person should see only good, hear good, speak truth, and undertake to do sacred activities when God will certainly respond and bestow His grace on him without asking him. A lust- laden commander-in-chief cast his evil eyes on a chaste woman and got killed (Mahabharata). A queen listened to the vile words of a servant maid which led to the crown prince's exile (Ramayana).

In an address, Sri Sathya Baba said the innate tendencies which a man displays depend on the feelings he cultivates in his heart. A paper has no smell of its own. But if it is used to wrap jasmine flowers, it acquires the latter's fragrance. Likewise if good feelings are ``stuffed'' in the heart, a person will surely develop good qualities. Potana, a great poet and devotee of Rama, who had a noble heart had written the Bhagavatham in Telugu. He had struggled hard in life but maintained his self-respect. His son was married to the daughter of Srinatha, poet in the royal court. Potana's family lived on agriculture and once Srinatha found Potana's son ploughing the field and made a derisive remark about this profession. The latter was never upset but replied that it was better to take refuge in Mother Earth and Mother Cow (Bhumatha and Gomatha) and lead a dignified life than be subservient to the king. All the compositions of Potana are full of sublime thoughts and devotional fervour and exuberance. His works contain the essence of the Vedas and lead one on the royal road to liberation. He firmly believed that Lord Rama Himself wrote the Bhagavatham, through him.